ABC Block

For Christmas this year my wife asked that I make an ABC block for our daughter that is just turning 1 year old. I could have simply cut a block out of a solid piece but I wanted to do something a little different.

The block is made of 3 types of wood for contrast (Maple, Chestnut, and Oak). Instead of just using the ABC123 on the sides, I decided to use her initials on three sides and date of birth on the other three. The letters and numbers were added using a wood burner.

Also, as a last minute decision I added BB’s inside the block before glue up so that it acts as a rattle. I have made a Google SketchUp model of the block that I will use as a template for a few more that I will build for my other daughters.

Thanks Gene, no definitely not a take apart puzzle with all of those BB’s inside. I have thought of making an alternate version that could be used as a stuff box by making one of the pieces hinge open.